Kenton nursing home closing could pave way for new facility in Ada

As one door is being shut, others appear to be opening with the decision to close the Corinthian Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kenton.
Owner Harry Hooyenga said Thursday he would close the facility, which he opened in 1987. His decision was based, said Hooyenga, on his personal health and the finances of the facility.
The 25 residents who are currently living at the Corinthian have mostly made arrangements to relocate to Hardin Hills or the Kenton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, he said.
“Some are going out of town, but that is by their choice,” said Hooyenga. “The bulk of the residents will be absorbed locally.”
He expects the facility to be closed within 60 to 90 days “or sooner.”
“This was very, very bittersweet,” said Hooyenga. “I’m happy to finally be able to retire and get out from under this, but I love the staff and the residents. It’s very tough.”
Hooyenga hopes to find a local charity who would accept the building.
“Nothing would be better than for me to work out a deal with a local charity. I would like to make a charitable gift to the community, but there is nothing in the works,” he said.
The county is limited by the State of Ohio to just a certain number of beds for health care facilities and the 50 beds Hooyenga had at the Corinthian have been sold to VanCrest, a company from Van Wert.
A spokesperson for the company said Thursday that VanCrest has definite plans for the 50 beds and an announcement would be made Monday by company president Mark White, who is currently on vacation.
Hooyenga said the company plans to use the beds to build a health care facility in Ada. There had been some speculation within the community Ohio Northern University might work with the new nursing home through its pharmacy and nursing programs. Any such plans are in a very preliminary stage, said university officials.
“Some early discussion has occurred,” said Jose Nogueras of ONU’s public relations department. “We are working with the village administration for a possible partnership with ONU in bringing a facility to Ada.”
Ada Village Administrator Jim Meyer said he is not aware of any plan to form a partnership with the university, but would be receptive to discussing the possibility with ONU. A nursing facility has been a priority for the Community Improvement Committee, of which ONU has representation.
“There has been some discussion a facility could go on campus, but the village is not aware of any firm facts,” said Meyer. “The CIC would like to see a nursing home come to Ada.”

By DAN ROBINSON
Times staff writer

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Posted by Kenton Times on June 1, 2012. Filed under Local News,Recent Headlines. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry